T-mobile simplifies t-satellite sign-up for at&t, verizon users, aiming to boost adoption
T-Mobile's satellite internet service, T-Satellite, has struggled to gain traction, with CEO Srini Gopalan revealing that usage is largely limited to national parks. To turn things around, the carrier is now making it easier for AT&T and Verizon customers to sign up for the service.
Simplifying the process
During the beta phase, T-Mobile allowed all users, including those from rival carriers, to enroll via its website. However, when the service launched last year, AT&T and Verizon customers were required to call the carrier or visit a store to sign up. That convoluted process has been scrapped, as first spotted by PCMag.
AT&T and Verizon customers can once again register for T-Satellite on T-Mobile's website, a move aimed at impressing the competition with T-Mobile's lead in the satellite internet space.
T-satellite's limitations
While AT&T and Verizon offer their own satellite services, the functionality and availability are limited. T-Mobile's satellite feature, on the other hand, supports both messaging and data apps, thanks to recent partnerships providing coverage in Canada and New Zealand.
However, since customers only need satellite connectivity in areas with no cellular service, the usage is understandably low. Add complex requirements on top of that, and it's no wonder AT&T and Verizon users were not as inclined as they initially were to have satellite functions on their phones via T-Mobile.
T-Mobile can hope to expand its user base and boost revenue by simplifying the process, considering the service costs $10 per month for non-T-Mobile customers (as well as T-Mobile customers not on its Experience Beyond and Better Value plans).
According to an October report from Ookla, T-Mobile customers make up over 71% of T-Satellite connections, with Los Angeles County, California, being the most popular location due to its mountains and canyons.
The average US user is disconnected from a terrestrial network about 2.79% of the time, a critical slice of time, such as an emergency in a national park. However, most customers will likely not need a satellite connection, making the service's adoption a challenge.
Perhaps T-Mobile should consider slashing the price to ignite more interest. For now, making the registration process less of a headache is a good start.